A new formation of the Nigeria Army is billed to take off in Ikere-Ekiti with the commencement of a new military formation, the 148 Battalion and the deployment of personnel and materials to the state.

The outgoing Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, disclosed this development on Monday during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in Ado-Ekiti. He was accompanied by the newly appointed Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, along with other senior officers, including the Commanding Officer of the new Battalion and the Garrison Commander, 32 Brigade, Colonel Kyari Babakura.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, General Fadairo and his team inspected the site allocated for the new military barracks in Ikere-Ekiti, ahead of the planned deployment of personnel and resources to the area. He expressed satisfaction with the location and assured the Governor that the deployment of personnel to the temporary base would commence immediately.

However, the Army delegation requested additional space to serve as a larger temporary accommodation for the personnel who would be stationed at the new formation. General Fadairo emphasised that with the establishment of the 148 Battalion, the security architecture of Ekiti would be significantly strengthened, particularly in border areas shared with Kogi and Ondo States, which are more vulnerable to security threats.

The outgoing Brigade Commander urged Ekiti residents to give their full support to the Army, stating that the success of military operations depends heavily on the cooperation of the people. He reassured the state that the presence of the Army formation would enhance peace and stability, discouraging criminal activities within the region.

In his remarks, Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the new development, describing it as a significant step towards reinforcing security in the state. He reiterated that Ekiti remains committed to working closely with security agencies to ensure that residents live and work in a safe and secure environment.

Governor Oyebanji acknowledged that while Ekiti is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, some areas still face security challenges, particularly along interstate borders. He noted that his administration has made substantial investments in the security sector, resulting in Ekiti being recognised as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

The Governor also assured the Army authorities of his government’s full support to ensure the smooth and immediate takeoff of the new battalion. He highlighted that the Ekiti State Government and the host community in Ikere-Ekiti had swiftly allocated land for the barracks, demonstrating their strong commitment to the success of the project.

Governor Oyebanji extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for approving the establishment of the battalion in Ekiti State. He also commended the Chief of Army Staff for prioritising security in the state, noting that the presence of the battalion would drastically reduce crime and further cement Ekiti’s status as a safe place to live, work, and invest.

“We are grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the approval to establish this Battalion in Ekiti State. We are grateful to the Army Command, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for doing this for us in the state. What you have done for us in Ekiti state is so dear to us. Ekiti state is peaceful, but we also have our own pockets of criminalities and the area where the battalion is cited is one of the most security challenged places in the state.”

“This is an effort that we will give maximum support to ensure its early takeoff. You also see that immediately it was announced; we got the land from the community and so the people have taken ownership of the project.”

Governor Oyebanji also commended the Ekiti State Command of the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and cooperation with the state government and the people of Ekiti. He lauded their calm and disciplined approach in handling security matters and acknowledged their commitment to the fight against insecurity and insurgency nationwide.